BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Cordless Drill Kit (BCD702C1): problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-17

Summary

The most common complaints are charger durability and bits slipping out of the chuck after limited use, along with the single-speed transmission and the missing belt clip. Running costs are limited to eventual battery or charger replacement, with no consumables, filters or subscription. At $50 or less it is a good buy for light household drilling and driving.

Common problems and fixes

Charger failures — at least one owner reports chargers repeatedly breaking [5]. No owner-reported fix; replacement chargers are sold separately [7], and the 2-year limited warranty covers the tool and battery [1][4].
Bits slipping out of the chuck — an owner reports bits falling out after about 20 clutch actuations under light use, on two separate drills within one year [5]. No fix is reported, and the chuck is plastic rather than metal [3].
Single-speed transmission — an owner upgrading from BLACK+DECKER MATRIX calls it “quite a downgrade” because there is only one speed [5]. No fix; speed control is the variable-speed trigger only [2][3].
Slow charging — the manufacturer states a 225-minute charge time, while Consumer Reports measured 200 minutes [1][4]. No workaround is reported beyond the included wall-mountable charger [1].
Light-duty limits — owners and testers agree it suits light-to-medium household tasks, not heavy-duty work [3][5]. No fix; it is not intended for heavy-duty applications.

Parts and consumables

Yearly running cost

Not enough data for a dollar figure. The drill has no consumables, filters, pods or subscription; the only recurring cost is eventual battery or charger replacement, and the sources do not price those parts. Battery wear is the only running cost [7].

When it is a good buy

At $50 or less the BCD702C1 is a compelling entry-level option: light weight, adequate torque for household tasks, long battery life and a 2-year warranty [3][4]. From $51 to $70 it is fair value; compare it with other budget 20V kits that may offer two-speed gearing or faster charging. Above $70 the single-speed transmission, slow charge time and plastic chuck become harder to justify [3]. Observed store prices: Walmart listed it at $59.99 (was $69.99) in October 2026 [14]; Home Depot listed it at $59.99 in October 2026 [15]; Newark Electronics listed it at $79.00 in October 2026 [7]; Pro Tool Reviews reported about $41 in 2019 [3]; Consumer Reports listed it from $59.99 in 2018 [4]. Alternatives: the BCD703C1 is the two-speed variant of the same drill and is the better choice if you want a second gear [1]; the BCD702C1AEV is the Beyond by BLACK+DECKER variant at 3.2 lb with slightly different dimensions and is the better choice if you want the Beyond version [12].